Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mocked those planning demonstrations over the economic hardship in the country. He remarked that those interested in the protest can proceed “but we’ll be eating”.
Akpabio made the comment at an event hosted by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday in Rivers State.
His remark comes ahead of the planned protest set to start on August 1 and end on August 10.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, met with some of the protest organisers on Tuesday in Abuja, suggesting a virtual protest, but they insisted on taking to the streets.
During the NDDC event, Akpabio said he was not interested in any “regime change”.
“All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we know it will be for a short while. MD, I appreciate your words. You said we are not interested in regime change, let us own this government.
“Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta,” he added.
He continued, “We acknowledge the damage caused by oil and gas activities in our region.”
He assured that the National Assembly is ready to help with legislation to address oil spillage and environmental pollution in the region.
“The specific issues faced by the Niger Delta must be included in the communique because we will present it to Mr. President,” he said.
“Those requiring legislation will come to us, those needing intervention will go to NDDC, those requiring more funds will go to the president, and I assure that those issues will be addressed,” he concluded.
The National Assembly under Akpabio’s leadership has scheduled an emergency session for the eve of the protest.
